March Favorites: Beauty.
Hello hello!
My beauty faves this month are a bit lacking because guys… oh my gosh… I spent so much freaking time in my house working. Like more than usual. Not only were we finishing up the cookbook, but I spent many days prepping recipes to have content throughout the next month as my kitchen gets remodeled, which meant maaaany no makeup days. Or barely any makeup days. You know the drill.
One of the MOST exciting things that happened in March was that we photographed a lot of the beauty DIYs for my book. GAHHH! You guys. I have found the best ratio for a homemade sugar scrub that I cannot wait to share. I always measure the quality of scrubs against the Tree Hut sugar scrubs because it’s my favorite consistency, and I think we nailed it. I have such a ridiculous amount of homemade sugar scrub here in my house that I probably don’t need to purchase any body scrubs for at least a year. This has been such a fun proponent of the book and I can’t wait for you guys to see.
One thing I’d love to hear from you: Â are there any drug store products you’re loving right now? I have been COMPLETELY uninspired to purchase anything when it comes to drugstore products. I look at products in store at least once or twice a week due to the beauty junkie inside of me, but I can’t find anything I want to even try. Plus, why bother when I can’t test it out to see if it’s my shade, the prices are so high now and there is already a ton of stuff I want in sephora that is around the same price? A lot of times you guys ask me to review drugstore products, but I don’t really do reviews. And I don’t want to just buy beauty stuff to junk up my bathroom. I really love talking about the products I’m using and loving and most happen to be high end. Maybe it’s because I used so much drugstore beauty stuff for, like, 20 years and just think that everything still seems the same? If you guys have something you’re loving, I’d love to hear it!
As we can see here, I’m still waaay into illuminating products. Not that this has changed in the last three years or so, but I’ve tried some new ones. Basically I want my face to glow like a disco ball. #dryskinproblems
Here are this month’s faves!
Marc Jacobs Glow Stick. This isn’t new, but I’ve eyed it for a few months and finally bit the bullet. I LOVE it. Some days when I only do concealer and mascara, I swipe this on too. It’s not glittery but it has the perfect amount of shimmer.
Smith and Cult nail polish in Pyscho Candy. I’ve wanted to try these polishes ever since I realized that the creator was the original maker of Hard Candy polishes. Oh my gosh, how my younger self lost it over the Hard Candy packaging! It was also my first ever mint green nail polish. So I grabbed one of these at Nordstrom and love the bright “get over here summer” shade. It’s been on my toes every since and I love!
Tom Ford Cream & Powder Eye Color in Young Adonis. I can’t believe that I actually bought this. It is my first Tom Ford makeup product (even though I’ve always died over the lipsticks) because they are just so freaking pricey that I can never justify it. I saw MakeupbyTiffanyD use this though and fell in love with the double product. It’s an eyeshade cream with a shimmery topcoat shadow. They can be worn together or alone, and I thought this would be perfect for summer and also since I’m doing such minimal makeup lately! This shade is definitely the only one that would work with my coloring, and it works now but I think it will look even better with a little bit of a tan. This also sort of reminds me of the Maybelline Color Tattoos I was so hooked on a few years ago. But the consistency is so soft and… whipped. I love it.
Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray. I was completely out of setting spray when I bought this. The word “illuminating” caught my eye and I usually use Urban Decay All Nighter, MAC fix+ and just finished the Josie Maran Argan Oil Mist. I also REALLY love the Tatcha Dewy skin mist and hoped this would be like that. It’s not quite as dewy looking, but it does give off a little bit of glow. What I love most is how perfect the spritz is out of the bottle! It hits my entire face in a very light cool mist and doesn’t soak it.
Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Halo. I was waiting like a crazy person for these new drops to release because you guys know how much I love my other ones. I think I’ve used about half the bottle of the Moonlight shade which is crazy because it’s so pigmented. I use it daily. This one is blue based and super holographic. I find that it works for my skin because I’m so pale with cool pink undertones, so it complements it well. The only thing is that this one is a little more watery than the original. Because of that, it doesn’t really work over top of foundation. It works fine on bare skin though, or mixed in with product or on top of a light tinted moisturizer like my Complexion Rescue.
Hourglass Girl Lip Stylo in Creator. This might still be the ONLY thing I wore on my lips all of March. It is such a perfect shade and so easy to apply. Of course, after I photographed it here, I smashed the cap down on the lipstick by accident. Sad face.
So that’s my rather boring and short beauty faves, but what I’m really loving at the moment. Next month, since I’ll be out and about a lot more (read: doing my makeup often!), I’m sure I’ll have some new loves to rave about. Other than that, all of my hair (macadamia oil) and skin products (sunday riley + drunk elephant) have stayed the same! Really loving those regimens.
So share! What are you guys loving at the moment?
{as usual, none of this is sponsored and all of these products were purchased by me. i am not affiliated with any of the companies above, nor do i accept free products. just love to talk about what i like, makeup junkie to makeup junkie. there are a few amazon and general affiliate links above. thank you for being here!}
41 Comments on “March Favorites: Beauty.”
I agree about drugstore products. They’re so expensive and be I can’t try  them or return them.
I am obsessed with butter nail polish this week and smash box always matte lipsticks. They both stay on!Â
Actually most lower end stores let you return opened makeup products! CVS has this policy, as well as Ulta. The last time I checked, Target would let you too! CVS has it listed explicitly on their site (last item on this link):Â https://m.cvs.com/help/help_subtopic_details.jsp?subtopicName=Return+Policy&topicid=300002
I have seen that some of these stores will let you return! I think for me, I just feel SO guilty buying stuff I can’t try and then returning it. I mean, I’ll return something if it really doesn’t work for me but I can’t imagine buying 3 foundations, opening them all and then returning 2 (or even all 3) if they don’t work? hahaha maybe because I’ve worked in retail and you always have those crazy people who return EVERYTHING.
Drugstore products- I’m actually loving Revlon colors ray eye liner. It took me a bit to figure out how to apply it and the first day was a mess, but I love it now. Also, Elf eye shadows. They go on so smooth and last all the live long day with a primer.Â
i’m going to try one of those eyeliners! thanks amanda!
Smashbox Liquid Lip Metals are…everything…ever? Foiled Brat is a lovely magenta and Mauve Squad is a gorgeous light plummy pink. Major 90’s vibe but it’s not bad at all.
i’ve seen some that i am LOVING. i want to get one or two!
Have you tried Lano Lips? I love using lanolin on my extremely dry lips, and I always buy a huge tube in the baby section of stores. I’m thinking about trying this stuff http://www.lanolips.com/eu/
i think i did try this at one point!
im curious about your lash routine… and what your lashes are naturally like? i stopped extensions because they are too high maintenance (no kids or hubby & still no time for appointments lol) …. but got a lash lift & am thinking of coupling it with a geowth serum??
ugh! my lashes are terrible. they always have been. they are very short and stick straight. i’ve worn the single clumps of false lashes since i was 18. i don’t wear them everyday or anything but anytime i do a full face of makeup and am going somewhere (like other than running errands), i wear them. not the full strips, just the singles on the ends of my lashes. about 3 single clumps. i’ve never tried the serum either because most of them say that one of the side effects can be changing the color of your eyes if you have light eyes, and i’m so afraid of that!
In regards to eyelash growth serums – try RevitaLash Advanced! I have hazel eyes and wouldn’t touch anything that might change my eye color. This formula doesn’t and IT ACTUALLY WORKS! I used to have very short, straight lashes and they have now at least doubled in length (probably more). I sent a girlfriend of mine a photo of my lashes before and after and she said if she didn’t know me, she wouldn’t even believe the results were real. I have never had such long lashes in my life and have enjoyed trying many new mascaras that previously never really did much for my barely there lashes. It took a good 3 months for serious results so if you try it, stick with it! :)
agreed on drug store products! Their quality is lacking and some get so “pricey” for what they are that it’s best to spend just a bit more for something much better. Right now I am loving Dior’s Khol eye liner pencil that goes inside the eye – you need it! It goes on so smooth, doesn’t irritate and really makes the eyes pop. I also bought Dior’s new foaming cleanser and they have a new exfoliator out too which starts out as a powder that you mix with water.
ooooh i love foaming cleansers! i’m definitely going to check all of these out! thanks meredith!
You’ve convinced me to try Sunday Riley and/or Drunk Elephant. Which two basic, everyday products would you recommend? I’m 50 with regular, 50 year old skin. Thanks for advice, they are so pricey I want to start off slowly.
i absolutely LOVE both lines. i’ve definitely used more from sunday riley. i use the luna oil or flora oil (luna has retinol, so i don’t use it everyday), the good genes (which is incredible!) and the tidal moisturizer. i would suggest trying this set of the luna oil and good genes: http://www.sephora.com/power-couple-duo-total-transformation-kit-P402718?skuId=1739192&icid2=products%20grid:p402718
that’s what i tried first and it got me hooked on sunday riley!
as far as drunk elephant, i use the c firma day serum (vitamin c) and the shaba complex eye serum. love them both!
these products are all pricey but they last me a really long time!
I, most definitely, swear by the L’Oreal Voluminous Feline mascara (shiny green tube, bright gold lid). It beats out the fancy brand mascaras for me and is so affordable. Other than that, I’m with you on the drugstore products these days!
i’m going to try that!! i love loreal voluminous carbon black and am always looking to find others!
I really love the Essence brow mascara, pretty much exact dupe to the Benefit Gimme Brow and it’s only around $4! Only difference I’ve noticed is that you have to get off the excess product before applying. The essence highlighter is also my current favorite highlighter for natural highlights, beating out my becca and Anastasia ones. Oh and the physicians formula butter bronzer in the darker shade!Â
thanks shyanne! i’m going to try the essence brow mascara. i use gimme brow everyday and absolutely blow through the product!
I second this essence brow mascara ?
Agreed – just bought a new one at Ulta today! It’s amazing.
Completely agree! I think it is as good/better than Gimme Brow and tons better than the Clinique brow gel that came out about a year ago. Goes on great and feels natural, not stiff at all:)
Speaking of brow mascara I use maybelline brow drama and it works as well as the gimme brow. Â And you get wayyyy more product for less than half the price. Â Love your blog, by the way. Your sense of humor cracks me up and your photography is stunning! Thank you.
I’ve been lovin Korean skincare lately. Tatcha cleansing oil followed by purity cleanser for my double cleanse. First aid beauty radiance pads -> may coop raw sauce -> first aid beauty repair serum -> belif moisture bomb. My skin has been so so happy.Â
My recent love? That is a super easy choice…LipSense. It is crazy how good this stuff is. In the most insane of days, it lasts – literally until I take it off. I was never a lover of lipstick because I did not like it coming off on everything – glasses, coffee cups, food… but not LipSense – it stays put until I take it off. Best. Stuff. Ever!
I use a mix of products from my dermatologist, Sephora and CVS. There’s just no substitute for high end lipstick, eye shadow or eye shadow primer. And I get Rx quality retinol which isn’t sold in stores from my dermatologist. But there are a few drugstore products I swear by and keep repurchasing. They are: L’Oreal eye defense, Lumene bright now vitamin C sleeping cream, Nip + Fab glycolic fix serum and Laroche Posay Anthelios mineral sunscreen fluid. Disclaimer: I use a tinted SPF on my face; the Laroche Posay is only for my neck and chest so my clothes don’t get stained. I’m not sure I’d like it as much on my face but it’s the first affordable mineral sunscreen I’ve found that I like enough to actually use daily.Â
One other product I recently discovered that I absolutely love is Alba Botanica very emollient mineral sunscreen spray. It’s dries clear, doesn’t feel sticky or oily, comes in an aerosol can and, mostly importantly, is completely unscented. I use sunscreen on my arms and legs all summer long because I walk to work and I HATE smelling like sunscreen at work. I found it at Whole Foods!
My favorite every day foundation is L’Oreal’s BB cream. I love my Tarte Amazonian Clay but hate wasting it on just going to work. Â Also love NYX’s brow mascara. It’s just as good as Gimme Brow and way cheaper! Â You just have to get rid of some of the excess on the wand when you first start using it. Â Say Yes to Coconut face wash has saved my sad dry skin this winter too!!
L’Oréal Hydra Genius!! They have matte for oily, and flowy for dry and extra dry bc I know you tend toward that. Honesty my fave drugstore buy ever. $13 for 3 oz andnsuper comparable to belif aqua bomb which I love. Try it!Â
THAT would be *glowy* ?
I’ve been wanting to try sheet masks for a while, and I received a 4 pack of the Karuna Hydrating Face Masks in my FabFitFun box – and they’re AH.MAY.ZING. My skin can be really dry, and this makes it so soft and dewy and I love it!!
I love your monthly beauty faves post! I think the Maya Chia highlight of the day serum you would love. It adds the perfect highlight either all over or just cheekbones etc. It’s kind of skincare meets makeup and also all organic :)
xo,
Em
http://www.organicallyemily.com
Thinking I might be a wee bit obsessed with your posts :)
I tried the Maybelline Strobing Stick and I love it! The Mac Strobing Cream is also amazing!!
Nyx brand, while not drugstore, is affordable and I love some of their products. The micro brow pencil is an exact dupe for an ABH product and it goes for $10 or $11. I also use their colored brow mascara over the micro brow pencil. I find it’s a little more wet than the gimme brow and it does have a longer wand, but I love it and it’s so cheap! Plus you get like double the product as gimme brow. Finally… Physician’s Formula Eye Booster felt tip liner is amazing and also $11. I recently got it buy one get one 50% off at Ulta, making it cheaper :)
I actually don’t wear any makeup at all except lip balm or lip stains but I love reading your posts no matter what the content really. I use alot of natural products for my skin, e.g. oil cleansing and using coconut oil as a body moisturizer, so I can’t wait for your book to see the DIY’s!!!
I’m a Kenra Platinum Blow Dry Mist girl, but recently tried the L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick spray and REALLY like it! I might be converted…!
I use ELF cream eye shadow in dark brown for my eyebrows! It’s $3 dollars and it works much better than my Anastasia of Beverly Hills brow pomade! I also use corn starch instead of dry shampoo. I used the Lush dry shampoo for years and one day I read the ingredients and realized it was just corn starch with some essential oils and added fragrance, They also use cornstarch for Bumbles Pret a Powder dry shampoo!
recently ive been doing very very simple eyes. just some like cream shadow (loved the bobbi brown one i got in my sephora box last month). ive been pairing it with bold lips. mostly bite mulberry and cayenne. ive gone through a few sample mascaras i didnt like last month…i swear they just like wouldn’t come all the way off ! no matter what i used this stila one left residue under my eyes in the AM. it was odd ! recently i switched to lancome star hypnose. not crazy great but it really separates nicely and i almost dont need a lashcomb after i use it. as for skincare i’m using SR Good genes in the AM as my treatment and DE Glycolic Acid as my PM alternating with a peter thomas roth retinol. so far its working really well ! for nails…i such i barely paint them they look gross :( gotta fix that !
I’m very late in commenting this post! I did read it at the end of March but came back today to see if you had posted anything about the VIB Sephora sale. I ordered a few things last week but was curious if you had anything in your cart that was worth mentionning. I can very well be influenced by your posts, HAHA!
I’m with you in drugstore products. I love the L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara and I also like the Baby Lips lipsticks but other than that, not a fan.
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